Synthesis and evaluation of fluorescent resins with europium-β-diketonate complex for orthodontic use.

No effective technique exists for removing adhesive remnants following bracket debonding. We propose that fluorescence imaging using europium ions (Eu) offers an effective solution for minimizing iatrogenic enamel damage. This study aimed to assess the impact of different mixing ratios of monomer mixtures on the photoluminescence and flexural properties of a newly developed fluorescent adhesive. Four monomer blends with varying urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) ratios were prepared and polymerized. The blends contained 0.1 wt% of tris(1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedionato)(1,10-phenanthroline) Eu(III), [Eu(DBM)Phen], as the phosphor. Optical measurements and flexural tests were conducted for each resin specimen. The emission spectra exhibited narrow bands corresponding to the 4f-4f transitions of the Eu ions. The photoluminescence properties remained unaffected by the mixing ratio, whereas the mechanical properties tended to improve with higher UDMA content. We conclude that the Eu(DBM)Phen-containing resin shows promise as a fluorescent orthodontic adhesive that contributes to preserving enamel health.